News releases from HRC and GLAAD:
HRC, Human Rights Campaign
Bryant and Lakers Organization Have Responsibility to Speak Out
Washington – Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, called out Kobe Bryant for the apparent use of a homophobic and derogatory slur after receiving a technical foul during a game Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs. TNT cameras caught Kobe apparently calling referee Bennie Adams a f***ing f***ot. Announcer Steve Kerr noticed, and announced on the air TNT "might want to take the camera off him right now, for the children watching." Neither Mr. Bryant, nor the Lakers, has commented on the situation.
HRC issued the following statement:
“What a disgrace for Kobe Bryant to use such horribly offensive and distasteful language, especially when millions of people are watching. Hopefully Mr. Bryant will recognize that as a person with such fame and influence, the use of such language not only offends millions of LGBT people around the world, but also perpetuates a culture of discrimination and hate that all of us, most notably Mr. Bryant, should be working to eradicate. Bryant and the Lakers have a responsibility to speak up on this issue immediately. America is watching.”
TMZ has the footage up on its website.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
GLAAD, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
GLAAD STATEMENT ON KOBE BRYANT’S USE OF ANTI-GAY SLUR
Los Angeles, CA, April 13, 2011 – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today issued the following statement in response to Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant’s use of a slur:
“Discriminatory slurs have no place on or off the court,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “Professional sports players need to set a better example for young people who use words like this on the playground and in our schools, creating a climate of intolerance and hostility. The LA Lakers have a responsibility to educate their fans about why this word is unacceptable.”
GLAAD has reached out to the L.A. Lakers and will provide updates on GLAADBlog.org as they become available.
Recently, GLAAD has worked with sports groups including the New York Yankees, the World Wrestling Federation (WWE) and the Hershey Bears to address issues of homophobia in sports. The Hershey Bears, top minor league affiliate of the Washington Capitals, told GLAAD this week the team would be taking steps to put a stop to anti-gay taunts from fans.
About GLAAD: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.
"Might want to take the camera off him right now, for the children watching"? More like take the camera of Kobe, period. This is inappropriate, offensive and unacceptable. I feel one of the most common misconceptions of the job of an athlete is that their job does NOT include moral fiber. Athletes around the world, especially in the United States, are celebrities. Therefore, their job includes more than the points/goals they score. They must be positive role models. This is not the first time Kobe and showed dishonorable conduct. It is about time that he faces the repercussions. When I played rugby, a student who yells at the ref gets pulled out of the game. And any player that screams profanities receives the same penalties. It seems that Kobe isn't mature enough to be in the big leagues.. time to take him back to basics. If you act like a high-school punk, then let's treat you like one.
Posted by: Nataliepena | April 13, 2011 at 02:12 PM
Dear Kobe,
Next time you are grasping for an appropriate term with which to slur a referre, may we suggest you go with 'teabagger'.
It's as equally derogatory and sexually offensive as the term you used last night, but the hyper-sensitive among those on the political left will be far more....what's the word....'tolerant' of your outburst.
Posted by: midohio | April 13, 2011 at 02:26 PM
You people have no life. Here are the back-to-back defending champions playing a basketball game and trying to snap a five game losing streak. He was mad. He has freedom of speech. I can't believe how much time is wasted on useless actions like this one. Shame on you LGBT community. Go root for the Celtics if you are so upset.
Posted by: SoCal | April 13, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Sounds like Kobe would make a good recruit for Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church I attempted to address their bigotry and insanity with a portrait of the good reverend on my artist’s blog at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/03/fred-phelps-and-westboro-baptist-church.html Drop in and let me know what you think!
Posted by: Brandt | April 13, 2011 at 06:38 PM
Brandt, thank you for the asinine comment about Kobe making a good recruit for Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. You are clearly very distraught over Kobe Bryant's use of inappropriate language. You are so concerned, that you used this message board to plug your art. If you have something to say, then say it. Don't post an advertisement under the guise of debate.
Posted by: Alex | April 13, 2011 at 07:27 PM
As for midohio, I'm not quite sure that teabagger is a homosexual slur. As you may or may not be aware, testicles can be placed on either a man or woman's face.
Posted by: Alex | April 13, 2011 at 07:29 PM
I wish he had simply said, "I lost my temper I would rather I hadn't." And, then left it at that. He broke no law. If the commish fined him, fine, but no apology. I really don't believe that the big sponsors of NBA basketball would have stopped spending money on the NBA if this Megastar of bb had left it at that. I would have loved to have seen that happen. Someday, someone will show some balls.
Posted by: Atlanta Roofing | April 15, 2011 at 02:02 AM